In this week's Criminal Law update, we delve into significant developments from England and Wales. We start by analysing the Court of Appeal's decision in EAC against The Crown, a case that illuminates the complexities surrounding the treatment of vulnerable children, juror information, and sentencing practices. The Court's rigorous examination of the trial's fairness and findings regarding the appropriate length of custodial sentences raises important questions about judicial conduct and the impact of bias perceptions. We also reflect on the recently introduced Sentencing Bill and its Explanatory Notes, which propose sweeping reforms aimed at enhancing victim protection, expanding custodial sentence options, and modernising post-sentence management. This discussion emphasises how these changes may influence future sentencing practices in a landscape increasingly prioritising flexible and nuanced approaches to justice.

EAC against The Crown, [2025] EWCA Crim 1135

Explanatory Notes to the Sentencing Bill, Bill 299